The Unexpected Announcement
Paul, 40, announced his retirement Friday, just hours after being waived by the Toronto Raptors. The timing shocked fans, but new reporting from NBA insider Marc Spears reveals just how unceremonious the moment truly was.
“He announced it today while he was giving away shoes in Compton to some people,” Spears revealed on a recent podcast.
Not a press conference. Not a primetime special. Just Paul, in his hometown, doing community work, quietly ending a 21-year Hall of Fame career.
The Family Priority
Spears also dropped an intriguing detail about Paul’s immediate future: “He’s supposed to be at a tournament with his daughter this weekend unless Adam Silver changes his mind.”
Translation: Paul has no interest in a farewell tour, a ceremonial comeback, or one last ovation. He’s prioritizing family specifically, watching his daughter compete over any potential NBA farewell gesture.
The Numbers
Paul’s final season was statistically his weakest: 16 games, 2.9 points, 3.3 assists, 32.1% shooting. The Clippers sent him home from a road trip in December amid reported clashes with coach Tyronn Lue.
Toronto acquired him February 5, then waived him without him ever playing.
The Legacy
Paul leaves the game second all-time in assists and steals, a 12-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA First Team, seven-time All-Defensive First Team, and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
His lone Finals appearance came in 2021 with Phoenix, a six-game loss to Milwaukee.
The Final Word
In his Instagram announcement, Paul wrote: “While this chapter of being an ‘NBA player’ is done, the game of basketball will forever be ingrained in the DNA of my life.
No championship. No regrets. Just a point guard from Winston-Salem who became one of the greatest to ever do it and chose to walk away surrounded by family, not cameras.
The “Point God” has left the building. He’s got a daughter’s tournament to get to.